The finale of our Kyoto trip. We explore the famous Arashiyama district, eat Shojin Ryori, a popular Buddhist monk vegetarian meal, and explore the Arashiyama bamboo grove.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Tea in Tokyo

Kyoto Part 3 - Arashiyama, Bamboo Grove, and a Traditional Meal

The second of our three-part Kyoto series. We spent another day temple-hopping going to Ginkakuji, Eikan-do Zenrin-ji, Nanzen-ji Temple, Heian Shrine, and Kiyomizu-dera. We also visited the famous Gion district and tried visiting Nijo Castle.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Kyoto Part 2 - Ginkakuji, Kiyomizu-dera, Gion, and More!

This is the first of three parts of our trip to Kyoto. On day one we visited the Kyoto Imperial Palace and had a unique dinner. Then we had a packed second day, visiting five temples - Daigoji Temple, Fushimi Inari Shrine, Komyo-in Temple, Tofukuji Temple, and Toji Temple.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Kyoto Part 1 - Fushimi Inari Shrine, Kyoto Imperial Palace, and More!

We visit Tokyo Port Bird Sanctuary to quench Saumya's desire to take some animal photos. Ellie had enough after one day so Saumya visited another park (Kasai Seaside Park) alone the next two days. We finally go to the top of Tokyo Tower and we have one of our greatest meals in Tokyo at a vegan restaurant in Shibuya. Next Saumya tries to get a license but has to cut through a lot of red tape and lastly we discuss the future closure of Saumya's learning studio.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Tokyo Tower, Bird Watching, and Getting a License in Japan

We take a short overnight trip to the nearby prefecture of Tochigi and the small city of Nikko. We first visited the famous shrines of Tosho-gu, the mausoleum of shōgun Tokugawa Leyasu, Rinnoji Temple, and one of Japan's most famous bridges, The Shinkyo Bridge. The next day we got in touch with nature by sightseeing at two amazing waterfalls, Kegon Falls and Ryuzu Waterfall.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Shrines and Waterfalls in Nikko

We talk briefly about voting in the recent New Zealand election. Then we chat about the exciting and extensive, Lupin the Third based, escape room we had the pleasure of doing.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Voting, NZ Election, and an Elaborate Escape Room

We had a weekend getaway at Hakone, a popular day-trip destination for Tokyoites. First, on the way we visit the 15th century Odawara Castle. Then it was off to Hakone where we took photos under the famous shrine peace torii, ate black eggs on a volcanic mountain, and Saumya had his first nude onsen experience.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Odawara Castle, Hakone, and our first Naked Onsen Experience

We talk about some of the amazing restaurants we've been to recently and we visit the planetarium in Yurakucho. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Food, Food, Food, Planetarium

Last week was Obon, a celebration of ones ancestors. Ellie and I saw an uptick of people at work, we finally received our government stimulus cheques, and we go to our first beach in Japan.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Obon, Government Stimulus Cheque, and Zushi Beach

We give an update on the growing cases of coronavirus in Japan and on how our Eikaiwa is handling the situation. We also did a psychology test for work and discuss whether it’s all bullcrap or not. Finally I tell Ellie about my day visiting Shinjuku Central Park, and the largest park in Tokyo, Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Coronavirus Update, Psychology Tests, and Tokyo Parks

We continue on to Nagano. We go to our first castle in Matsumoto, and visit the grand and beautiful 7th century Zenkoji Temple. We then walked through epic cedars on our way to Togakushi Shrine, and got anxious about bears.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Castles, Temples, and Forests in Nagano

We begin our visit to Nagano prefecture in the mountain town of Karuizawa. Famous for its snow sports in Winter, during summer, it offers a great escape from the humid heat of Tokyo. We shopped in the relatively cheap outlet mall, Prince shopping plaza, bussed up to the beautiful Shiraito Falls, and saw absolutely nothing at the Usui Pass Observation Platform. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Site-Seeing in Karuizawa

We're required to take a test at work in order to get our contracts renewed. We also go to Tokyo Tower in the rain and stumble on the greatest sushi we've had so far. Lastly, Saumya talks about his struggle with dieting.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Work Certification, Best Sushi We've Had, and Trying to be Vegetarian in Japan

We've been working non-stop in June so on our one day off we decide to visit the aquarium. We also discuss Japanese design, and we plan our upcoming trip to Karuizawa. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Shinagawa Aquarium, Japanese Design, and Planning a Trip

After finishing their degrees, Saumya and Ellie have a typical quarter-life-crisis. Instead of wallowing through the usual mundane activities of adult life, they decide instead to pack their bags, leave New Zealand, and live in Tokyo! The culture is different, the sites are amazing, and they don't know the language, so they'll have plenty to share with you each week. If you relish travelling, have ever wanted to live abroad, love Japan, or are just confused about what to do in life, this podcast is for you.

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Tea in Tokyo

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